The primary role of dentistry is to save your natural teeth, but teeth that are decayed or infected beyond repair need to be extracted in order to avoid the infection from spreading to other areas of the mouth. At All Smiles Bethesda, we use tooth extraction as a last resort when all other options are exhausted.
A simple tooth extraction can help eliminate pain and discomfort or help prepare the teeth for a restorative/cosmetic procedure. Some common reasons for extraction include:
- Baby teeth or extra teeth, which impede adult teeth
- Advanced gum disease that has affected the tooth roots
- Removing a malformed or fractured tooth
- Severe tooth decay which cannot be treated
- Preparing the teeth for an orthodontic treatment
Prior to extraction, we will take X-rays of your teeth to plan the procedure. Local anesthesia is administered at the extraction site for your comfort, and a dental tool called an elevator is used to lift up the tooth and loosen the gum tissue and ligaments around the base. The tooth is then gently rocked using a pair of forceps. In complex cases, the teeth may have to be broken into pieces that can be individually extracted to make the process easier. Once the tooth has been removed, gauze is packed into the socket, and you are asked to gently bite down on it to control bleeding. Stitches may also be placed to close the socket.
We offer a number of options such as crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Get advice from our dental experts following your extraction to understand the best tooth replacement options for you. If you think you have a troublesome tooth that may need extraction, call our office at 301-984-9646 to schedule your appointment.